De Zerbi Says Mathys Tel Exchange Was Coaching After Everton Draw
Roberto De Zerbi has insisted his animated on-pitch exchange with Mathys Tel after Tottenham’s goalless draw with Everton was coaching, not confrontation, as Spurs’ early-season scoring crisis deepened.
Tel was involved in a lengthy private discussion with De Zerbi at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following the 0-0 result. The Spurs manager repeatedly pointed towards the Everton goal, later explaining that he was addressing the 21-year-old’s movement and mentality when used through the centre.
De Zerbi explains Tel discussion
- De Zerbi said he had been coaching Tel on the pitch after the final whistle.
- The Italian told Tel that, with James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus and Savio around him, he must behave like a central striker and keep his focus on goal.
- He highlighted the need for the forward to adopt a striker’s body position, including playing with his shoulder towards goal when Tottenham are attacking.
- De Zerbi also referred to a Robertson cross, saying Tel should have remained in the penalty area to attack the delivery.
- The manager stressed that Tel began his career as a striker, despite now also being deployed on the wing, and must recover those instincts inside the box.
“I coached him on the pitch,” De Zerbi said. He added that a striker has to face the goal, particularly in a team containing creative players such as Maddison, Kudus and Savio.
Tel dropped after Forest display
The exchange came after a difficult week for Tel, who had been criticised by De Zerbi following the previous weekend’s disappointing performance against Nottingham Forest.
Tel was then named among the substitutes against Everton, while Dominic Solanke returned to Tottenham’s starting line-up for the first time since April. The selection change did not solve the issue in front of goal, with Spurs unable to turn their possession and pressure into a breakthrough.
Despite his public demands of Tel, De Zerbi said there is no rift with the former Bayern Munich player. The manager said he values Tel both as a footballer and as a person, and maintained that his hard line reflects belief in the Frenchman’s potential.
What happens next
Tottenham have now gone 360 minutes without scoring in the Premier League and remain winless after four matches. Some supporters booed at the final whistle against Everton as frustration grew inside the stadium.
De Zerbi’s side must now switch competitions, travelling to Anfield in midweek to face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.
